UN mine clearance program in Yemen [Archives:2002/26/Local News]

The republic of Yemen contains 592 communities which suffer from the negative effects of land mine and unexplored ordnance contamination . A land mine Impact Survey accomplished during 2000, determined the location of the minefields and more importantly, identified those mined areas, which most severely impact daily life and individual and community development in the republic of Yemen.
Two weeks ago, the UN General Coordinator, James W. Rawly hold a press conference at the UN headquarters centering around the report on the UNDPs support to the Yemen Mine Action Program.
In this respect, the government of Yemen has begun detailed survey, Clearance, Mine Awareness Education and Mine Victim Assistance in the high-impact communities.
Yemen has prepared and approved a Strategic Mine Action Plan, which optimizes the efficiency of Mine Clearance resources to systematically address the most mine-affected communities in the shortest time. Yemen is the only nation to have such a plan based upon accurate socio-economic information. Accomplishment of the Strategic Plan is dependent upon continued donor support.
A total of 44 minefields, consisting of 2,700,000 square meters of land have been cleared and an additional 6,000,000 square meters surveyed and declared mine-free. More than 57,000 land mines and UXO destroyed. Seven Mine Clearance Units and 7 Technical Survey teams are trained, equipped and operating in mine-affected areas. Funds, equipment and training provided by donors have allowed full integration of Mine Action activities.
Past donor contribution to Yemen Mine Action total more than USD 10 million.
The total five-year (2001-2005) Yemen Mine Action Program cost is approximately USD 28,000,000,00 (of which approximately USD 3,000,000,00 per year will be provided by the republic of Yemen).

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